LeRoy Neiman art rises in value

Thursday

Last year saw the passing of an unusual and popular artist, LeRoy Neiman. He was born in Minnesota with the fine Swedish last name of Runquist, but changed it to the more marketable Neiman.

After serving in World War II, he got his first art gig painting sets for Red Cross shows. Then, using the G.I. Bill, he studied art and went to work for the Chicago Art Institute. In 1960, he started traveling the world to find subjects for his paintings. His primary themes were sports and people at leisure.

If you have seen his art you know how distinctive it is. Broadly speaking, his style is expressionistic, but it seems there should be a name for his particular look.

After Neiman produced an original painting, he made serigraph prints of them. These prints sold for $3,000 to $6,000 each and unfortunately, today they are not usually worth that much on the secondary market. This is because he produced so many signed copies of each print. Some have estimated that he made $10 million per year just selling the serigraph prints.

But let’s start with the originals. They have risen in value quite nicely. His highest auction record to date was achieved last year: $173,000.

The painting was titled “Vegas, 1961” and it showed a large crowd gathered around a very busy craps table.

Most people are more acquainted with Neiman’s signed prints. Here are some auction results for them. Circus sold for $250; Tiger brought $200; $325 was the price for America’s Cup; and Shaq sold for $300, while Tavern on the Green brought $200.

Sinatra and the Brooklyn Bridge both brought $225. Only $125 was paid for Mark McGwire and $175 for John Elway. Lincoln portrait $425. The head of the Statue of Liberty sold for $700. Bear Bryant sold for $300, a disappointment to all Alabama fans. Lawrence Taylor sold for $700.

I realize these prices might be disappointing to some owners of Neiman prints, but it is not all bad. Neiman’s Ted Williams, signed by both Neiman and Williams, sold for $3,400. One not signed by Williams sold for $2,500. Football Game went for a good price at $750. Magic Johnson had auction magic and sold for $ 1,400.

A scarcer Sinatra piece is called “Frank Sinatra Duets” and sold for $2,100. Michael Jordan is, of course, among the high-flyers. His print brought $2,200; $1200 was the price for Borg/Connors.

Joe DiMaggio brings topdollar at $4,400. Receiver Jerry Rice received a top bid of $1,300. I will wrap it up with Al Capone who was worth $1,050.

My personal favorite is the Willie Mays in full swing. It is a great picture. A signed artist proof sold for $ 5,000.

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